By Paul Ebi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared he will not be intimidated by critics, vowing to stay the course on his administration’s economic and political reforms despite mounting opposition.
Speaking on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the President dismissed attempts to pressure him, insisting he remains resolute.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before. And if I have to come back over and over and over again, I’ll do the same thing,” Tinubu said firmly.
The high-level meeting, led by Hope Uzodimma, brought together top figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and several state governors and party leaders.
Tinubu: Nigeria Must Break Free from Poverty Structures
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dismantling long-standing systems that have hindered Nigeria’s growth, stressing that economic realignment is already underway to expand opportunities for citizens—especially the poor and vulnerable.
According to him, greater citizen participation in governance and economic activities remains key to national progress.
“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” he told the ambassadors, urging them to mobilize Nigerians at the grassroots.
Rule of Law and Democracy Non-NegotiableThe President also used the occasion to underscore his government’s commitment to democratic principles, including respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.
“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not,” he stated.He added that unity and a shared national vision are essential for Nigeria to achieve lasting prosperity.
“Nigeria Is in Safe Hands” — Tinubu AssuresAddressing concerns over economic hardship and criticism from opposition figures, Tinubu maintained that his administration is laying the foundation for long-term growth.
He encouraged Nigerians not to be swayed by what he described as misinformation, insisting that transformative leadership often comes with initial challenges.
“There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you,” he said, projecting optimism about Nigeria’s future.
Uzodimma, APC Leaders Rally Support
Earlier, Governor Uzodimma briefed the President on the nationwide activities of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, revealing that structures have been established down to the polling unit level to drive grassroots engagement.
Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, praised Tinubu’s resilience, describing him as a “dogged reformer” undeterred by early resistance to change.
He noted that key political stakeholders in the North-West remain firmly behind the President and the APC, urging him to ignore critics.
A Defiant Promise
In a passionate closing remark, Tinubu assured supporters that he would not abandon his mandate.
“One thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from the affair… I won’t give up,” he said.
The meeting reinforced the administration’s message: despite economic pains and political pushback, the government is determined to push through reforms it believes will reshape Nigeria’s future.
